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Welcome to the KI4OOI.com website.
The objective of this website is to
provide
an information resource for both aspiring hams-to-be as well as the
more experienced operator. If you are just becoming interested in ham
radio as a hobby, be sure to check out the section here on this
website that is just for you - it is informative and gets you started
quickly.
Ham radio has a long and
rich tradition of providing a number of important services. Hams have
provided communications in times of emergency, assisted the U.S. Armed
Forces in times of war and peace, and have made major contributions to
advancing the science of radio communications. If anything, the title
of "amateur radio" fails to project the true nature of hams world-wide:
the professionalism and amount of personal commitment that hams have
provided, and on a volunteer basis is immeasurable. Not only does Ham
radio teach various aspects of radio, electronics and safety issues,
but it also teaches discipline in use while providing a ready-made
emergency communications resource.
Many people question the need for ham radio today, especially with the
internet, cell phones, digital messaging and satellite phones.
Unquestionably, we have more ways and methods of communicating today
than ever before. However, with the advent of the internet and cell
phones also came the advent of additional ways that things can fail.
Just think about how many times your internet has mysteriously not
worked or your hard disk has crashed and the ever-present virus problem
that can cause all types of problems in computer-based information
systems. Similarly, cell phones have their problems as well. In our
area, it is not uncommon for high winds or even a thunderstorm to
wipe-out cell phone towers for hours. And the best example of all:
Hurricane Katrina that unfortunately showcased a worst-case scenario
with devastating loss of life, not to mention complete loss of cell
phones, the internet as well as other communications infrastructure
including telephones. When all else fails, a ham radio with a
generator usually brings up the rear in the emergency communications
world - it simply works. And with the advent of many new ways of
communicating using Ham radio, the efficiency and the pizazz makes it
more interesting than ever!
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